2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information
- Interior Design
Program Options
- BFA in Interior Design
- Master of Arts in Interior Design
- Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture
About the Programs
In the 80 years since we first began offering programs in interior design, we at NESADSU have watched the metamorphosis of the profession, from one concerned primarily with the decorative aspects of design to one in which technology and the environment play increasingly important roles. As society has changed, so has our interior design curriculum. From a series of studio-based intellectual exercises, we have progressed to the point where the demands of the professional office and the classroom are increasingly similar. As we emphasize the skills required by the former, we have tried to balance intellectual exploration with creativity, passion with practicality.
The Interior Design program at NESADSU educates interior designers in ways in which they may use their talents to transform society. They possess the intellectual background, the practical skills, and the passion for design that allows them to impact the ways in which we live our lives – at home, in the office, and in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and schools. Creative problem-solving, attention to the rule of law, the protection of our planet, and an understanding of human behavior: they all play a role in the work of the interior designer.
The interior design curriculum at NESADSU will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of design theory, history, communication and design skills, sustainable design and code adherence, and professional practices. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the computer as a tool for 2- and 3-dimensional presentation. With upper-level courses building upon the skills acquired in introductory and intermediate courses, the progression of skill attainment is logical and effective. Required internships ensure that graduates of the program are well prepared for the challenges of the profession.
With a design library of current sources, a materials library modeled on those in professional design firms, and a professional-quality lighting lab, NESADSU graduates are well qualified to land the job they’re looking for.
In addition to the BFA degree, NESADSU also offers two graduate programs in Interior Design, one leading to a Master of Arts in Interior Design, the other to a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in interior design, other areas of the arts or liberal arts are eligible to apply to the former. Application to the MFA in Interior Architecture requires a previously earned undergraduate degree in Interior Design, Architecture or a closely related field. The length of time required for completion of the master’s degree will vary, according to prior academic background and other factors. For complete details on the MA in Interior Design and the MFA in Interior Architecture, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 617.573.8302 or email grad.admission@suffolk.edu.
The BFA and MA programs in Interior Design at NESADSU are accredited as Professional Level Programs by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the nationally recognized accrediting body for post-secondary interior design programs.